I've flown a lot in my life. Starting with small(ish) prop planes which my step-dad flew the family around in, way back in the 70's, to 747-300's which have taken me to different continents.
There have been adventures:
Loosing all electrical power over Kalamazoo in a Beechcraft Baron turboprop.
Having to pull up at the last second in a DC-9 and do a fly-around in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, because a small herd of deer had wandered out onto the runway.
Losing one engine in a Piper Navajo over Lake Erie because of our pilots miscalculation on a fuel tank switch. Getting airsick for the one and only time in my life on that same airplane in a summer storm over Bad Axe Michigan. (You think I'm making this up?)
Missed being bombed out of the sky in a 747 over Lockerbie Scotland by literally one flight.
But there have also been utterly beautiful flights in which the weather or the scenery, or both, have made it an absolute pleasure to be in the air. Or those with special memories, like the two flights I've made to return home with new babies after completing adoptions in foreign lands.
Tonight, I'm inspired to write about my latest flight. Not that it was anything like the adventures above. No, this was just an evening flight to Providence, Rhode Island. But there was something special about it.
On the ground, there's nothing particularly beautiful about the town of Providence. But on this early summer evening it appeared to be just about perfect.
We had finally overtaken the cloud-bank by the time we got close to the coast. But they were just close enough behind us to mingle with the setting sun and create a beautiful orangey-pink western sky and a glow over the whole city. We flew in low, and the city was already lit up with it's own orange sodium lights on streets, buildings and parking lots. We flew over bright green diamonds with little-league games underway. Boats made their way up the river with the foam of their wakes glistening in the late sun, and some just bobbed at their moorings out in the bay. The Atlantic was a deep, dark blue by this time. And the long shadows off of the old, historic buildings downtown gave it a postcard look.
But at some point, I finally realized what it was about this flight. It was more than just the sights of this lovely old town on a perfect, warm summer evening. There was a wonderful normalcy conveyed by the scene, but there was also a normalcy that I felt on this flight. This was my first flight since returning to a career that has included all types of flights (reference the above!), and it felt good to be back "on board". Flying to some place I'd never been, to meet someone I hadn't known before. This is what I do, and I've missed it.
After I picked up my rental car, I headed north on I-95, quickly passed through little Rhode Island and drove into the surprising woodlands of central Massachusetts. I rolled down the windows and enjoyed the warm night air.....breathing in the normalcy!
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Feinstein's Flop
Regarding last week's Supreme Court ruling on handgun bans:
“I am profoundly disappointed in Justice Roberts and Justice Alito, both of whom assured us of their respect for precedent. With this decision, 70 years of precedent has gone out the window. And I believe the people of this great country will be less safe because of it.” —Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA)
How the law should apply to her:
“I know of the urge to arm yourself because that’s what I did. I was trained in firearms. I carried a concealed weapon. I made the determination that if somebody was going to try to take me out, I was going to take them with me.” - Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA)
.....and some people actually follow the logic of these liberal idiots?!! Amazing.
“I am profoundly disappointed in Justice Roberts and Justice Alito, both of whom assured us of their respect for precedent. With this decision, 70 years of precedent has gone out the window. And I believe the people of this great country will be less safe because of it.” —Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA)
How the law should apply to her:
“I know of the urge to arm yourself because that’s what I did. I was trained in firearms. I carried a concealed weapon. I made the determination that if somebody was going to try to take me out, I was going to take them with me.” - Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA)
.....and some people actually follow the logic of these liberal idiots?!! Amazing.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
A Huge Victory, But Too Close
Today’s ruling by the Supreme Court on Washington DC's handgun ban should be celebrated, but only mildly.
While the majority held that the Constitutional rights of citizens in DC were being violated, it’s scary as hell that four liberal justices were willing to throw out 2nd amendment rights for those same people.
In my new home here in Chicago, there is apparently a similar law to the one in DC, prohibiting homeowners from owning handguns. We’re not talking about “carrying”. We’re talking about keeping one in the home for the sole purpose of self-defense. And the Mayors of both DC and Chicago (Fenty and Daly) don’t think we should have that right in their “fair cities”.
DC is a violent place. I don’t have the statistics of how many people were shot by handguns in DC last year, but I bet you any amount of money that far less than even 2% or 3% of the shootings were done by solid, upright citizens in their homes. I can almost guarantee the vast majority, let’s say the other 98%, were committed by less-than solid citizens. Addicts, Car-Jackers, Burglars, and Gang-thugs. And most probably have previous encounters with the law. That’s your typical handgun user in both of these cities (and everywhere else for that matter). And both cities have had these laws on the books for at least two decades. It’s obviously working well! Right!
It’s the same ol’ truth that (some) people clearly understand; criminals will always have guns!
Chicago is experiencing it’s own little crime wave this summer. Gang violence is way up. An eight and a fourteen year old killed just in the last 10 days. I want to hear the brilliant Mayor Daly defend this law in context of the violence which continues. The only thing that he can (and will) say, is that the law is the only thing keeping the shootings from going any higher. That’s pure crap, and he knows it. I just love these two guys. Take away their bodyguards, there wrought-iron, electrified fences and their Mayoral positions, and then move their families into some of the more savory areas of their fair cities, and let’s see how they feel about owning a handgun then.
We should be very concerned about our Supreme Court. They seem to be evolving into a body that thinks more about modifying our Constitution than interpreting it. Just imagine if B. Hussein Obama gets a chance to place some Justices on that court! Can you imagine what Justice Hillary’s votes would do! Might as well line the birdcage with our individual Bill of Rights!
Very scary indeed.
While the majority held that the Constitutional rights of citizens in DC were being violated, it’s scary as hell that four liberal justices were willing to throw out 2nd amendment rights for those same people.
In my new home here in Chicago, there is apparently a similar law to the one in DC, prohibiting homeowners from owning handguns. We’re not talking about “carrying”. We’re talking about keeping one in the home for the sole purpose of self-defense. And the Mayors of both DC and Chicago (Fenty and Daly) don’t think we should have that right in their “fair cities”.
DC is a violent place. I don’t have the statistics of how many people were shot by handguns in DC last year, but I bet you any amount of money that far less than even 2% or 3% of the shootings were done by solid, upright citizens in their homes. I can almost guarantee the vast majority, let’s say the other 98%, were committed by less-than solid citizens. Addicts, Car-Jackers, Burglars, and Gang-thugs. And most probably have previous encounters with the law. That’s your typical handgun user in both of these cities (and everywhere else for that matter). And both cities have had these laws on the books for at least two decades. It’s obviously working well! Right!
It’s the same ol’ truth that (some) people clearly understand; criminals will always have guns!
Chicago is experiencing it’s own little crime wave this summer. Gang violence is way up. An eight and a fourteen year old killed just in the last 10 days. I want to hear the brilliant Mayor Daly defend this law in context of the violence which continues. The only thing that he can (and will) say, is that the law is the only thing keeping the shootings from going any higher. That’s pure crap, and he knows it. I just love these two guys. Take away their bodyguards, there wrought-iron, electrified fences and their Mayoral positions, and then move their families into some of the more savory areas of their fair cities, and let’s see how they feel about owning a handgun then.
We should be very concerned about our Supreme Court. They seem to be evolving into a body that thinks more about modifying our Constitution than interpreting it. Just imagine if B. Hussein Obama gets a chance to place some Justices on that court! Can you imagine what Justice Hillary’s votes would do! Might as well line the birdcage with our individual Bill of Rights!
Very scary indeed.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
More Gore
Fresh from the dem-hypocrisy file comes the report that Al Gore is increasing his “carbon footprint” at an alarming rate! Actually up 10% from last year, after installing all of his energy saving bulbs, solar panels and super-efficient windows. He called that his “green overhaul” after taking heat for his monster energy needs. That worked well! His home now uses as much energy as 19 average American homes.
What all that improvements, what the heck is he increasing to more than offset the savings? Could it be that the advertised energy savings for all of that technology is not really there? No, it probably is. I tend to think it’s simply increased usage. I’d suspect the following items:
1. A climate-controlled showcase for his Nobel Prize.
2. A beefed-up security system with new hyper-sensitive detectors, installed right after he endorsed B. Hussein Obama for President. (Threatening calls from two different NY phone #’s.)
3. Even more power-assisted exercise equipment.
4. A new electronic “Carbon Monitor” which also plays DVD’s and dispenses hot and cold beverages.
5. A fully illuminated “Gore for Vice-President” banner on his front lawn.
Actually, Gore has stated that Item 5 has already been offset because he took the flood lamps from his illuminated American flag and moved them to the banner. (But since he flew it permanently at half-mast, I doubt that he used all of those lamps there.)
Anyway, I’m sure that Al would argue that all of these new toys and gadgets are really necessities, so that he can continue to promote his message that every American must do his or her part to save the planet. How can we not be inspired?
What all that improvements, what the heck is he increasing to more than offset the savings? Could it be that the advertised energy savings for all of that technology is not really there? No, it probably is. I tend to think it’s simply increased usage. I’d suspect the following items:
1. A climate-controlled showcase for his Nobel Prize.
2. A beefed-up security system with new hyper-sensitive detectors, installed right after he endorsed B. Hussein Obama for President. (Threatening calls from two different NY phone #’s.)
3. Even more power-assisted exercise equipment.
4. A new electronic “Carbon Monitor” which also plays DVD’s and dispenses hot and cold beverages.
5. A fully illuminated “Gore for Vice-President” banner on his front lawn.
Actually, Gore has stated that Item 5 has already been offset because he took the flood lamps from his illuminated American flag and moved them to the banner. (But since he flew it permanently at half-mast, I doubt that he used all of those lamps there.)
Anyway, I’m sure that Al would argue that all of these new toys and gadgets are really necessities, so that he can continue to promote his message that every American must do his or her part to save the planet. How can we not be inspired?
Monday, June 23, 2008
Gotcha!
Now that the dem's messiah has raised a quarter of a billion dollars in private (sort of) campaign funds, he has decided against accepting public money. How noble of him.
So much for campaign finance reform. Remember, reform is only needed when Republicans are "out-raising" dems in contributions! McCain is naturally furious. Well at least his brand of furious, which is kind of hard to detect.
....and now a short story:
A man once found an injured snake along the road. He kindly took him in and fed and nursed him until he was healed. And just as the snake had regained his strength he took the first opportunity to bite the man. The man fell back in pain and shock. And when he asked the snake why, the snake said "C'mon you knew I was a snake when you took me in!"
McCain wanted this campaign finance reform. He has worked with snakes to get it done. He likes to "cross the isle", and now he has been bitten. Hard to feel sorry for him. Easier to feel sorry for us.
So much for campaign finance reform. Remember, reform is only needed when Republicans are "out-raising" dems in contributions! McCain is naturally furious. Well at least his brand of furious, which is kind of hard to detect.
....and now a short story:
A man once found an injured snake along the road. He kindly took him in and fed and nursed him until he was healed. And just as the snake had regained his strength he took the first opportunity to bite the man. The man fell back in pain and shock. And when he asked the snake why, the snake said "C'mon you knew I was a snake when you took me in!"
McCain wanted this campaign finance reform. He has worked with snakes to get it done. He likes to "cross the isle", and now he has been bitten. Hard to feel sorry for him. Easier to feel sorry for us.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Advantage Airbus
On March 2nd, I wrote about the Air Force's award of a new contract for the next generation of refueling tanker aircraft to Airbus, in a blog titled "Buy Now, Pay Later". I was incensed that America's premier aircraft manufacturer, Boeing, had lost the bid, and that $35 billion of U.S. taxpayer money was headed mostly overseas for an American military aircraft.
The only mitigating circumstance to this travesty, which I acknowledged at the time, was that it had been a competitive bid process, and that I felt that these massive awards should be handled that way. Still, I thought that Boeing should still be given some small advantage in the process, such as a right to first refusal or some such slight accommodation.
Well today, we find out that not only was Boeing denied any kind of minuscule advantage, they were actually working from a disadvantage due to Air Force personnel actually pushing different and more costly construction specifications to Boeing, and not to Airbus. In other words, the playing field wasn't level at all. Airbus was effectively quoting to build a lesser aircraft. This is beyond belief!
Nothing is being said right now about whether this was inadvertent or perhaps designed by someone to purposely give Airbus the advantage. More to come on that I presume. I'm just pleased that this process was taken back and reviewed. Boeing is now feeling confident that they can win. It won't hurt that they'll finally be playing in a fair fight this time. To me, this should be a done deal; the work goes to Boeing, and a couple of Air Force procurement managers get a ride out of town.....on an Airbus!
The only mitigating circumstance to this travesty, which I acknowledged at the time, was that it had been a competitive bid process, and that I felt that these massive awards should be handled that way. Still, I thought that Boeing should still be given some small advantage in the process, such as a right to first refusal or some such slight accommodation.
Well today, we find out that not only was Boeing denied any kind of minuscule advantage, they were actually working from a disadvantage due to Air Force personnel actually pushing different and more costly construction specifications to Boeing, and not to Airbus. In other words, the playing field wasn't level at all. Airbus was effectively quoting to build a lesser aircraft. This is beyond belief!
Nothing is being said right now about whether this was inadvertent or perhaps designed by someone to purposely give Airbus the advantage. More to come on that I presume. I'm just pleased that this process was taken back and reviewed. Boeing is now feeling confident that they can win. It won't hurt that they'll finally be playing in a fair fight this time. To me, this should be a done deal; the work goes to Boeing, and a couple of Air Force procurement managers get a ride out of town.....on an Airbus!
Monday, June 16, 2008
Kwame's Koncerned?
In another sterling example of King Kwame's real motivation, he announced yesterday that he would not be attending the upcoming B. Hussein Obama love-fest at Joe Louis Arena, because he didn't want to "interject the negative Kwame factor" into Obama's campaign machine.
Now isn't that considerate of him?
So in other words, Kwame is very concerned about any negative backlash he might cause Obama during his 90-minute visit to the city, yet he cares nothing about the destructive impact he's having on hundreds of potential investors in the City of Detroit, over months and months, while he clings to his office!
Incredibly typical!
Kudos also to his girlfriend Jennifer up in Lansing for letting this disgrace continue. Could we expect the same extraordinary patience from her if he were a white Republican?
Now isn't that considerate of him?
So in other words, Kwame is very concerned about any negative backlash he might cause Obama during his 90-minute visit to the city, yet he cares nothing about the destructive impact he's having on hundreds of potential investors in the City of Detroit, over months and months, while he clings to his office!
Incredibly typical!
Kudos also to his girlfriend Jennifer up in Lansing for letting this disgrace continue. Could we expect the same extraordinary patience from her if he were a white Republican?
Sunday, June 15, 2008
R.I.P. - Tim Russert
Tim Russert was certainly a product of the mainstream media. Yet I think he did the best job of anyone on network television in trying to run an unbiased interview, no matter who he was talking with.
Whenever I did sense that he was veering at all from the "center", it might be slightly to the left, but he's only human, and I'm sure that the career pressures within NBC could certainly be expected to blow him off course in only one direction!
What he did well, was getting the right people in front of the camera and asking the right questions. We need more of that on TV, and not just relegated to Sunday mornings. That's the kind of "reality" TV we need more of!
From what I knew he was a good, family man. Devout Christian and hard working. And certainly way too young for this to happen.
R.I.P. Tim Russert.
Whenever I did sense that he was veering at all from the "center", it might be slightly to the left, but he's only human, and I'm sure that the career pressures within NBC could certainly be expected to blow him off course in only one direction!
What he did well, was getting the right people in front of the camera and asking the right questions. We need more of that on TV, and not just relegated to Sunday mornings. That's the kind of "reality" TV we need more of!
From what I knew he was a good, family man. Devout Christian and hard working. And certainly way too young for this to happen.
R.I.P. Tim Russert.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Planes, Trains, Automobiles (And Boats?!!)
“Planes, Trains and Automobiles” was a classic Steve Martin movie about the ragged-edge (but hilarious) side of business travel. While never quite to that extreme, I have had some unusual business travel experiences over the years. My most recent was neither extreme nor funny, but just a very pleasant diversion from the ordinary.Last week, I was on a four day blitz to see a few of the different operations owned by my new employer. One of these is in northern Wisconsin, in the small town of Sturgeon Bay. It’s a bit north and west of Green Bay, and not at all convenient to get to from anywhere! In trying to figure out exactly what my travel arrangements were going to look like, I got the idea of using the ferry that runs across Lake Michigan, as maybe being the most sensible when considering the current price of gasoline and airline tickets (and my point of departure). The ferry ticket was reasonable and convenient by comparison.
The name of the ship is the S.S. Badger. It started life in 1953 running mostly railcars from Ludington, Michigan to Manitowoc, Wisconsin and back. At some point during our deconstruction of the railway industry, I suspect that the Badger was being viewed as a potential for the scrap pile also, but somehow it survived and is now an auto and truck ferry. Apparently business has been OK over the years, but I would think that the future may be getting brighter in light of $5.00 per gallon gasoline!
So having made my reservations, I showed up at the dock on a nice warm (and calm!), Wednesday evening in Ludington. I was going to make a night crossing which would put me into Wisconsin four-hours later. This boat is arguably little-Ludington’s biggest claim to fame, as there are Badger-goods sold everywhere, and Main street leads literally into the gaping maw of the 400-foot long Badger’s stern, where motorcycles, cars and even a few semi-trucks are gobbled right up. The ship was originally designed for 34 rail cars, so I’m not sure what that translates into for highway vehicles, but we seemed about half-full this night. She didn’t seem to sit any lower in the water once we were loaded up. We left right on time, with a Coast Guard escort, which I’m sure was never there in our pre-9/11, pre-Homeland Security world. They shadowed us for the first few miles and even checked out a boat which was sort of on a crossing trajectory to ours. No Iranians, I’m happy to report!
To cut to the chase, the trip was easy and relaxing as compared to the other modes of travel mentioned above. Once on-board you can wander the decks, play bingo, watch TV or a movie, sleep or eat. I suppose that the weather could make the trip considerably less enjoyable, but this night was about perfect. Although it was amazing how the early-summer air cools as you get out into the middle of that big bath of 50-degree water!
Just like in a railways lament which I wrote last month, I wouldn’t be surprised to see these types of transportation coming back into fashion. Actually, there is a newer and faster version running farther south across the lake. Maybe those that were scrapped, were done a bit too hastily. This is a steamship burning coal for it’s boilers, and we’ve got a lot of coal! Of course, the environmentalists probably wouldn’t have liked the line of coal-smoke which stretched out to the horizon behind us, but then unless it was powered by oars, you’ll never make them happy!
I was on this same ship many years ago, but I had mostly forgotten the ride and the little nuances of travel like this. What a nice change of pace it is! I must come back sooner next time.
Why Only Israel's Mission?
While the rest of the world continues mostly empty talk around Iran's nuclear development aspirations, Israel is preparing to react forcefully as they have historically done.
Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Shaul Mofaz, who recently announced his candidacy to succeed Ehud Olmert as Israel’s leader, is throwing more than empty words, and they're words that Iran should listen to. If he wins, he has stated that he'll deal with Iran using whatever means necessary. “If Iran continues its nuclear weapons program, we will attack it,” Mofaz said last week. “Other options are disappearing. The sanctions are not effective. There will be no alternative but to attack Iran in order to stop the Iranian nuclear program.”
These are hopeful words, and I think that in the end, no matter who is elected in Israel, it will someday carry out this mission. It could be someday very soon.
For those of us who believe that no terrorist state can EVER be allowed to possess nuclear weapons, the reason is perfectly clear; they would use them! It's just that simple. Why anyone would believe otherwise is beyond my comprehension.
Russia and China shield Iran, the U.S. and Britain maintain cheap talk, and the rest of the world keeps their collective heads in the sand. So it will fall to the little state of Israel to defend civilization. Their mission is nothing less than that.
It is an incredible irony to me that this little chunk of humanity, who have been victims of so many attempts at obliterating it, should someday rise to be the people who might just save so many of us. I know very little about the Jewish faith, except my ventures into the Old Testament. But when they think about themselves as being Chosen, then the devote Jew probably accepts this responsibility and sees no irony whatsoever.
Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Shaul Mofaz, who recently announced his candidacy to succeed Ehud Olmert as Israel’s leader, is throwing more than empty words, and they're words that Iran should listen to. If he wins, he has stated that he'll deal with Iran using whatever means necessary. “If Iran continues its nuclear weapons program, we will attack it,” Mofaz said last week. “Other options are disappearing. The sanctions are not effective. There will be no alternative but to attack Iran in order to stop the Iranian nuclear program.”
These are hopeful words, and I think that in the end, no matter who is elected in Israel, it will someday carry out this mission. It could be someday very soon.
For those of us who believe that no terrorist state can EVER be allowed to possess nuclear weapons, the reason is perfectly clear; they would use them! It's just that simple. Why anyone would believe otherwise is beyond my comprehension.
Russia and China shield Iran, the U.S. and Britain maintain cheap talk, and the rest of the world keeps their collective heads in the sand. So it will fall to the little state of Israel to defend civilization. Their mission is nothing less than that.
It is an incredible irony to me that this little chunk of humanity, who have been victims of so many attempts at obliterating it, should someday rise to be the people who might just save so many of us. I know very little about the Jewish faith, except my ventures into the Old Testament. But when they think about themselves as being Chosen, then the devote Jew probably accepts this responsibility and sees no irony whatsoever.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Unfit For Battle
This week was such a downer!
Watching the bright, shiny-new Obama taking the crown, and speaking with his typical confidence, even smiling. Looking strong and vital.
Contrast that with 'ol Granddad McCain; down in New Orleans for crap's sake! Could he have picked a more depressing hole? A democrat talking-point all in itself! And then to dig the Republican grave even deeper, he has to call out the place as being the single biggest example of everything that's wrong with our government. How'd that taste George W.? Nice going McCain.
Is this the way McCain should be launching his battle against the Messiah? Messiah's going to eat his lunch if he cannot get over his "Mr. Roger" tone and demeanor! All he's missing is the little sock-puppet friend. I swear to God something happened to him long ago in that Viet Cong cage. They broke him I think. He has no fight in him. He just wants to be liked.
McCain needs to wake up and recognize the uphill battle he's in. More like scaling a cliff! Americans are as deep as a birdbath. They like shiny and new. They like young and confident. They're addicted to celebrity. They swoon over rock stars and chuckle at Grandpa.
I am very, very worried. I don't see strength when I watch and listen to McCain. I don't see the confidence. I don't see the energy that's going to be necessary to win this election.
I'm hanging in for the first debate, town meeting, or whatever they call it. He'd better "bring his game" as they say, because even though his message may be more accurate, more substantive, and truer, he'll be drowned-out by the "music".
This is gloves-off time McCain. Let's go already!
Watching the bright, shiny-new Obama taking the crown, and speaking with his typical confidence, even smiling. Looking strong and vital.
Contrast that with 'ol Granddad McCain; down in New Orleans for crap's sake! Could he have picked a more depressing hole? A democrat talking-point all in itself! And then to dig the Republican grave even deeper, he has to call out the place as being the single biggest example of everything that's wrong with our government. How'd that taste George W.? Nice going McCain.
Is this the way McCain should be launching his battle against the Messiah? Messiah's going to eat his lunch if he cannot get over his "Mr. Roger" tone and demeanor! All he's missing is the little sock-puppet friend. I swear to God something happened to him long ago in that Viet Cong cage. They broke him I think. He has no fight in him. He just wants to be liked.
McCain needs to wake up and recognize the uphill battle he's in. More like scaling a cliff! Americans are as deep as a birdbath. They like shiny and new. They like young and confident. They're addicted to celebrity. They swoon over rock stars and chuckle at Grandpa.
I am very, very worried. I don't see strength when I watch and listen to McCain. I don't see the confidence. I don't see the energy that's going to be necessary to win this election.
I'm hanging in for the first debate, town meeting, or whatever they call it. He'd better "bring his game" as they say, because even though his message may be more accurate, more substantive, and truer, he'll be drowned-out by the "music".
This is gloves-off time McCain. Let's go already!
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Don't Let The Door Hit You
“If McCain gets in, it’s going to be very, very dangerous... It’s a critical time, but I have faith in the American people. If they prove me wrong, I’ll be checking out a move to Italy. Maybe Canada, I don’t know. We’re at an abyss.”
—actress Susan Sarandon
—actress Susan Sarandon
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)